by The Ajasa News | February 6, 2026 6:01 am
A Lagos State High Court sitting at TBS has sentenced a truck driver, Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi, to life imprisonment for the killing of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer during a traffic enforcement operation.
The conviction, delivered on January 14, 2026, in Suit No. LD/24692C/2024 (The State v. Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi), followed a fatal crash that occurred on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State. The incident claimed the life of Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, who was on lawful duty with an FRSC patrol team.
Court proceedings revealed that Onyekachi, while driving a 40-foot container-laden truck at excessive speed, rammed into a stationary mini truck that had been flagged down for inspection by FRSC officers. The impact crushed Ajomale, resulting in fatal injuries. The court ruled that the driver acted with gross negligence and recklessness, rejected any claim that the crash was accidental, and convicted him of involuntary manslaughter under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Reacting to the judgment, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, described the ruling as a landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria. He said the sentence sends a strong warning to motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, that reckless driving will no longer be tolerated.
“When a life is lost due to gross negligence—particularly that of an officer on lawful duty—the law will take its full course,” Mohammed said, adding that the Corps would continue to pursue justice for fallen officers and innocent road users.
He also disclosed that the FRSC would intensify enforcement efforts, strengthen prosecution support, and deepen collaboration with stakeholders to curb dangerous driving behaviours nationwide.
The Corps Marshal warned that drivers who disregard traffic regulations and endanger lives should expect severe legal consequences, reaffirming FRSC’s commitment to safer roads. He noted that the entire management and staff of the Corps continue to honour the memory of DCRMA Ajomale, whose death underscores the risks faced daily by road safety personnel in the line of duty.
The statement was signed by Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on February 5, 2026.
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